Mancini dismisses Ireland problem

Manchester City (9/2 to win the Premier League) boss Roberto Mancini has denied speculation that there has been a rift between himself and midfielder Stephen Ireland.

However, the Italian manager is yet to decide whether the player will be in City’s plans for next season as he has to select a 25-man squad ahead of the Premier League campaign.

Competition for places is high at Eastlands, with Ireland battling with the likes of Nigel de Jong, Yaya Toure and Gareth Barry for a place in the starting eleven.

Mancini has stated that Ireland could be in his plans if he makes a strong claim for a place in pre-season.

He said: “Right now I don’t know who will miss out.

“I have not decided anything about Stephen Ireland.

“There has been no problem with him on the tour. I don’t know how it’s possible for him to think anything other than that he has a chance of a future here because I haven’t decided.

“It is up to him to prove himself to me,” he added.

City (1/2 to finish in the top four) begin their Premier League campaign against Tottenham Hotspur as they look for revenge after missing out on a Champions League place to the North London club last season.

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